Jimmy Kimmel has officially extended his contract with Disney’s ABC to continue hosting the popular late-night show Jimmy Kimmel Live! The contract is now secured through the end of the 2026-2027 television season. This keeps the host on air until at least May 2027. This one-year extension follows a period where the 58-year-old Kimmel hinted that he was contemplating potential retirement.
Controversy and Ratings
The contract renewal comes amid ongoing public pressure surrounding the host. President Donald Trump frequently calls for the show’s cancellation. Kimmel has responded to his long-running feud with jokes, including announcing the renewal with an Instagram caption. He wrote: “I am pleased to announce another no-talent year!”
The extension also follows a highly publicized controversy in September 2025. ABC briefly suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! for six days. This was due to controversial remarks Kimmel made regarding the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Despite the suspension, Kimmel’s return episode drew a major ratings spike. It recorded its second-highest rated episode in almost 23 years on the air.
Future of Late Night
The structure of the deal is notable. It is an unusual one-year extension, breaking Kimmel’s recent pattern of signing multi-year renewals. Sources reported ABC delayed the extension announcement out of respect for his late-night colleague. Fellow host Stephen Colbert’s show on CBS is set to end in May 2026. Kimmel’s decision ensures stability for ABC’s late-night programming lineup.
Financially, the deal keeps one of television’s highest-earning hosts on the network. Analysts estimate Kimmel earns approximately $16 million annually for his hosting duties. Beyond his late-night gig, he remains a key figure for the network. He also hosts Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and has been a four-time host of the Academy Awards. His renewal affirms his position as an indispensable figure for ABC’s late-night strategy.
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